Religious rights

In this article from the Netherlands Quarterly of Human Rights, Eva Brems, Saïla Ouald Chaib, and Katrijn Vanhees discuss the status of the "burkini" (body covering swimwear) under Belgian law and policy. "'Burkini' Bans in Belgian Municipal Swimming Pools: Banning As a Default Option" Following the French commotion on the presence of “burkini” wearers at … Continue reading Recent Scholarship: “Burkinis” in Belgium

Two weeks ago, the UN Human Rights Committee (which oversees compliance with the 1966 International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights) declared that France’s ban on full-face veils violates freedom of religion. According to the 2010 French law, “No one may, in a public space, wear any article of clothing intended to conceal the face.” … Continue reading In the News: Islamic Veils in France

Earlier this month, a Muslim civil rights groups raised concerns about the mistreatment and harassment of a Muslim woman inmate in Kansas. According to Muslim Advocates, correctional officers referred to her ḥijāb headscarf (which had been given to her by the prison chaplain) as a “rag” and as “contraband,” and ordered her to remove it … Continue reading In the News: Prisoners’ Rights

Last month, the legal and political debate in Europe over Muslim headscarves was reignited after Denmark began implementing a ban on wearing burqas in public, and former UK foreign minister Boris Johnson said that women who wear burqas look like “letter boxes” and “bank robbers.” In the US, the headscarf has been debated by courts … Continue reading In the News: Headscarves

By Professor Mohammad Fadel (University of Toronto, Faculty of Law) In a recent attempt to control religious discourse in Egypt, the chairperson of Egypt’s Supreme Media Regulatory Council (al-majlis al-aʿlā li-tanẓīm al-iʿlām), Makram Muhammad Ahmad, announced that only 50 people would be permitted to give an opinion (fatwā) pertaining to Islamic law. According to various … Continue reading Commentary: Religious Opinions within Civil Discourse